Certification Criteria

The NADB-BECC development process focuses, not only on achieving certification, but also on assuring that a project is ready to be implemented. To that end, every project is required to meet the technical, environmental and financial criteria described below. For a complete description of the project certification criteria, consult BECC Project Certification Criteria and Process

Technical

The following elements are necessary to establish the technical feasibility of a project

Project Description

The sponsor shall provide:

A description of the geographic location and general profile of the community where the project is to be implemented, as well as of the its location in relation to the border.

A description of the project scope, cost and site layout, indicating the project details and other information that will visually reflect the project.

The status of development and a schedule of pending project development activities.

A list of construction components and the implementation schedule.

Technical Feasibility

To demonstrate the project’s technical feasibility, the sponsor shall provide a description of the technology selected or under consideration; the methodology used for technology selection; and documentation related to the technical development of the proposed project, such as feasibility studies, engineering designs or applicable design criteria.

The project sponsor may be required to have a review conducted by an independent engineer.

Land Acquisition and Right-of-way Requirements

The project sponsor shall provide documentation evidencing land and right-of-way acquisition or demonstrate the ability to acquire the necessary property or permits in a timely manner to implement, operate and maintain the project. Documentation such as property deeds, contracts for sale, eminent domain authority or others shall be provided.

Management and Operations

The project sponsor must demonstrate the capacity to implement the project, as well as operate and maintain it, with appropriate and sufficient budgets to cover operation and maintenance expenses. Appropriate information related to project management and institutional capacity shall also be provided.

Environmental

These elements serve to verify compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, as well as establish the anticipated environmental results and potential health benefits to be achieved by the proposed project.

Compliance with Applicable Environmental Laws and Regulations

NADB and BECC are not regulatory agencies and do not require any permits or regulatory authorizations beyond those required by law. Project sponsors must:

Identify all federal, state and local environmental and cultural (i.e., historical, archeological, social and ethnic) requirements applicable to the project and necessary to achieve regulatory or funding authorizations.

Demonstrate the project’s compliance or ability to comply with all such regulatory requirements, including permits and environmental clearances.

A schedule of pending environmental tasks and authorizations.

Documentation, such as regulatory agency findings or rulings, project authorizations or a description of compliance activities and the status of meeting compliance requirements shall be provided. NADB may assist the sponsor in coordinating the process with the applicable agencies.

Environmental Effects/Impacts

Based on the information and clearances provided by the sponsor, NADB, in consultation with the sponsor, will prepare a description that will document:

The existing human and/or environmental health conditions proposed to be addressed by the project, as well as the evaluation of the no-action alternative.

The anticipated direct or indirect environmental benefits expected to be achieved by the project.

The mitigation of risks to the environment for the proposed project.

If applicable, natural resource conservation measures for the project, such as green building practices, water conservation, waste reduction/reuse/recycling, clean and efficient energy and other clean technologies.

If applicable, the anticipated direct or indirect human health benefits expected to be achieved by the project.

If applicable, any transboundary environmental effects.

The project sponsor shall provide all information, documents and input necessary to support the evaluation of compliance with this criterion.
Upon implementation of a project, the anticipated environmental and/or human health benefits will be assessed pursuant to Section VI, Results Measurement and Closeout, in consultation with the sponsor.

Financial

The purpose of the financial criteria is to ensure that a project meets financial standards in terms of viability, security and legal structure. In accordance with its procedures and guidelines, NADB conducts a detailed financial analysis that seeks to ensure that there is sufficient revenue, equity, grants or other financial support at the time of funding to complete the project and provide a demonstrable and reasonable assurance of loan repayment.

For more information on financial information requirements, go to Loan Application Process.